Friday, December 31, 2010

Here comes another year! 2010 just zoomed by! I'm ringing in the New Year w/ some movies. I've just about made my scrapping goals for 2010 and am ready for some new ones next year. I love making New Year's resolution. Now keeping them, that's a little tougher ;) My goals this year are very different.

1. Scrapbook primarily with my stash for the next six months and saving some money while I'm at it.

2. Use my Expression until steam starts coming out of it.

3. Lose 10 lbs by my birthday. (April 1st)

4. I really like Ali's idea of a word of the year. Mine is going to be Play.

I think these are very doable. I'd love to have some company for this challenge. Once a month, on the first, we can all visit each other's blogs, see how it's going, and give some encouragement. There are no rules for this. Just try to scrap your stash, rather than going out and buying stuff. It can be for layouts, cards, tags, you name it. If you have to buy something b/c you love it, no worries. Have a kit of the month? Great. It's just a fun way to encourage each other every month and see what we are all doing with our stash :)

*** I've had a few questions about Project 2011, so I thought I'd talk a little more about it. Project 2011 is a group of scrappers who are using their stash for their projects, and avoiding the stores. If this sounds like something you are interested in, click HEREand enter your blog link. You can do it for one month, two months, or six months like I am. I will have a new sign up every month. There are no hard and fast rules. You decided which stash to use, what to make, etc. At the end of the month, I will relist all the blogs and we will all visit one another and leave encouraging comments with our fellow scrappers. Don't worry about details like monthly kits, gifts, blog candy etc. If you have them, great. The goal of Project 2011 is only to use your stash, rather than hitting the stores for products. Love to have more people sign up. It's a great way to meet other bloggers and get some new ideas as well.

Whose game? I think I'll have a sign up every 1st of the month, so you can do it every month or skip some months if you'd like to. (CHA months are tough, lol). No big commitments ;) Feel free to add the button I've posted on my sidebar for this. The more the merrier :)

To join in, go to the first day of the current month and find the Sign-ups.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

I am so jazzed about this design team! Every Friday they kick off an awesome Cricut challenge to inspire you to make awesome projects with your Cricut or Expression. And they have fabulous prizes! Today is the last day to submit for last Friday's challenge so you may want to check it out if you have time today! The prize is the Dinasours Track Cricut Cartridge!

So you'll definitely be seeing lots of Cricut projects from me in 2011 :) In fact there will be a huge blog hop starting at Flaunt it Fridays on January 7th, so mark those calendars! I'll have a blog candy for it, as will many other design team members :)

I also found out this morning that I won the grand prize over at The Lime Light! The Lime Light is such an amazing organization and I really encourage you to take a look at it. There are so many ways you could help someone out there through scrapping. Here is more about them,

"We are a design team with a unique purpose. We use our crafting skills to help and bring light to others. We invite you to visit the site often to find out whom we are crafting for and what we are planning in the months to come. We have exciting plans that include making cards and bookmarks for our men and women in uniform, making journals for families whose children are in the hospital, making cards for baskets that help raise money for playground equipment....and that's just the beginning."

As a quick update on my health, I'm still trying to get well and started some steroids, so hopefully I'll feel better soon. Pam, my amazing mom in law just picked up the kids to watch until Sunday :)

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday! Nick and Lara had so much fun opening presents. This year was the first year that Lara really understood what was going on and boy was she excited! She asked if it was Christmas every day at least five times in the week before. I just loved spending time with all our families. I sure missed my sister though. It was the first Christmas I've ever had w/o her. Love you Stick!
I thought I'd share a couple pictures of the holidays with you. I haven't been able to scrap any though between Christmas and my new illness of the week - Bronchitis. My hands are shaking from the breathing treatments as I type this. My bubble should be arriving next week. LOL.

I LOVE the hilarious shirts my mom in law gets for Nicholas!

I meant to take pictures of New Year's Eve with my mom and all the family on that side but since I was doing the cooking/cleaning I totally forgot to bring it. My mom has been pretty sick lately so I was in charge of it at her house. It was wonderful that she was feeling up to having people over and I had a blast chatting with Stephanie & Lee (sis-in-law and brother) who I don't see very often. Happily Stephanie took pictures so I will have some after she uploads them to Cosco :)

I also wanted to show you Sassy 'Lil Sketches last sketch of 2010. I think they saved the best for last!! This might be my favorite sketch Cherie has ever done! I cannot wait to see what wonderful layouts everyone makes with this one!

Finally, my friend Jacilynn posted about this amazing blog post that you have to go read here. It was written by Nikki and it is one of the most touching, inspirational, and loving posts I have ever read. Warning - kleenex may be needed.

Friday, December 24, 2010

I just wanted to stop by and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas (or Happy Holidays) and hope you all have a wonderful New Year. Like most people, I am going to be crazy busy over the next week. So I will see you all next year :)

Also the random generator came up with #16 which is Michelle in South Africa! Congrats Michelle! Email me your address and I will get it out to you sometime next week :)

Sunday, December 19, 2010

I am feeling better. I slept 15 hours yesterday! How can you not feeling better after that? I needed to do a page for my mom-in-law for Christmas. She loves handmade gifts. I had the picture I wanted to use and when I saw Sketches in Thyme's new sketch, I knew that was the one I'd use.

The paper is all Basic Grey w/ the exception of the bazzill paper I used as the base. I went crazy with the Prima Flowers :)) I used Helmars V2 for the vellum quote. I love that stuff! You can't see any glue. I used Helmar's 450 for the flowers. It is quick drying and they will never move. That was important to me as this will be hung on the wall most likely. The picture was taken at her house.. They adore her. Nick and Lara are always asking when they can go see Nana. It's really awesome. What do you think? Think she'll like it?

Saturday, December 18, 2010

It turns out both Nicholas and I have Strep :( Nicholas is also on breathing treatments for his asthma. So far Lara and Chris don't have it but we'll see how that goes! So once more, we are the house of plague. I wasn't able to get the buttons out yesterday as I was too busy running around Dr. appts, pharmacies, etc. So sorry about that. I'll try to get them out in a few days. Right now we are just lounging around, trying to feel better. Though the cough syrup they gave me sure helps ;)

I also have a new winner for the yellow and pink buttons. Wendy Crowe please email me your address for the yellow buttons.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

I just love Cath at Moxie Fab World. If you want to see what's hot or new in the scrapbook world, she is the person to read. She sees it all! On Tuesdays she shows a picture to generate inspiration for her readers. Here is this week's.

Isn't just the most beautiful colors. I had a spare ornament to decorate so I decided to use this color combination for it. I used spare flowers I had laying around and my irock tool to make sure the gemstones would stick. On the tree, the lights sparkle off them.

Also, I am running a fever now, and think I may have strep (feels like I am swallowing razors when I swallow + fever) or a bad sinus infection. Odds are, I won't be posting the rest of the week. I broke down and made an appt with the doctor tomorrow, so hopefully I'll be on the mend soon. I have way too much to do to be sick!

Have a great weekend gals! My hat is off to you that are braving the mall this weekend, lol.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

What a long week it's been! Lara and Nick came down with a cold and Nicholas has been on breathing treatments for the last few days. Today I woke up with a miserable sore throat and a migraine. I also have been visiting a friend in the hospital. She had surgery yesterday and I am hoping she'll be able to go home soon. I did manage to make a couple of ornaments and another Christmas tree. The paper I used for the tree is from SEI. These are great projects to do while you're sitting watching cartoons.

The kids loved making their ornaments. Lara was loving the glitter. Nicholas was more into the foam stickers.

Here is our paper chain for Christmas. Nicholas liked it so much, he refused to cut any off this year. He's such a character.

So the kids are really getting into Christmas. Lara has taken to asking for toy that she sees on the TV for Christmas. She's learned this from Nick. One commercial came on showing a kid online computer game. She tells me, "I want that, mommy, for Christmas.". I looked at her and asked her, "Do you know what that is?" She looks me in the eye and says, "No." I totally cracked up.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

I keep seeing all these darling Christmas trees made with scrapbook paper and really wanted to make one. When I saw PKGlitz's tutoria, I thought that is perfect. No styrofoam tree needed. (Though Lara and I did get a couple along with a few other things at Michael's today to which she said, "Thank you for shopping, mom. That was fun").

I used MME Christmas Glitter pack that my girlfriend Stacy gave me at CKC. (Thanks girl!) I just love blue and and browns. Then I put pearls and jewels all over the branches and stickles along the edges. The last thing I did was to paint Mod Podge Glitter Glue all over it. This was the first time I used it. I LOVE it. It's perfect for a project like this. It added tons of glitter but died clear. It also added a little texture. Finally it will help hold the jewels, as well as stiffening up the tree so that it will last year after year.

I also wanted to show you a card I got from Gloria. She is one of my all time favorite designers. Seriously. Seriously. She designs for Graphic 45 and her cards, layout, home decor, you name it, it rocks!!! You definitely want to check out her blog and see what I mean. She is also really sweet. She made me feel so much better yesterday when she confesed to not having bought one present yet. So glad I'm not the only one, LOL.

Here's a few links that show you how to make a paper tree. I know I want to try a couple more!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Yesterday was sooo much fun. We called the kids in sick (gasp!) and went to Knott's Berry Farm with Chris' parents. The kids loved this idea they pulled from the Advent calendar :) It was a blast. The only hiuccup was when Nicholas and his grandparents got stuck on the log ride! They were on the incline right before the big drop at the end! Chris, Lara and I were already done with ride when it broke. You should have seen me. I was one worried momma. They had to get off and walk down to us. On the up side, we bought the picture w/ Lara and her eyes are scrunched tight! She didn't say a word, but she was a little bit scared. Throughout the ride she had her hand over her eyes, but peeked through. It was sooo cute! Nick, the little daredevil, went on a couple rollercoasters, and I even let Chris talk me onto a BIG roller coaster. Yeah, I screamed like a little baby. What's wrong with that?

Sassy 'Lil Sketches has a new sketch challenge out and it is a so cute! I loved the clean and simple lines to it.

I decided to use just cardstock on my layout, as well as a lot of bling :)))

I hope you'll play along with us this week. We have some awesome sponsors.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Finally a layout! This layout shows the awesome spread we had at my mother-in-laws house on Thanksgiving. There was turkey, ham, mash potatoes, the whole works. We are so very lucky to be able to have this wonderful meal, without any real worries that so many people do all over the world. So I wanted to show how lucky and thankful we are. Especially Lara, she could hardly wait ;) The paper is Basic Grey, and I used Luminarte for the glitter on the leaves, Stickles on the chipboard flourishes, and adhesive spray and glitter on the flowers. Now that's alot of bling! Not only does Frosted Designs have this cool sketch, but they have a glitter challenge, and fabulous blog hop going on now too. You can check it out here.

Also, Sassy 'Lil Sketches has a Design Team Call for both sketches and paper. Much as a badly wanted to stay on their design team, I have decided to to say goodbye at the end of January. They have a fabulous new forum, and I just think keeping up with the blog and the forum would be a little too tough, especially as my girl only goes to preschool a few days a week in the morning. :((((( I will say this is the best Design Team I have ever been a part of and I so recommend sending them your application. They are the sweetest!!! And of course, the sketches rock! I will miss you gals so much!! You can find out more information HERE.

On a happier note, Scrap Our Stash has invited me to stay on as a Designer. They graciously offered to let my start next month because the holidays are so crazy for every. They are a great blog who encourage you to use your stash in different ways. They also feature tips, pages, and tutorials from not only their DT, but also their followers. It's a really fun way to get yourself out there. You can find themhttp://scrapourstash.blogspot.com/.

I also wanted to make sure you knew about a FANTASTIC giveaway. It is soooo incredible you have to go to Erica's blog to see all the pictures of all the goodies she is giving out! It's seriously spectacular!!! Go, run, HERE.

I've got more but I know you are all busy busy busy, so I'll save it for this weekend. I was originally planning to go to Prima's Warehouse Sale bright and early this morning, but have taken pity on Chris and told him I would stay home so he could sleep in. He has been working all kinds of crazy long hours, poor guy. And I think he needs sleep more than I need Prima flowers...right?!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

You know it's bad when people email you about giveaways to post!!! You know who you are... Yicks, I've become the go to blog candy person! Okay so I am just going to lay out all the blog candies that you can enter and a few blog hops too!

#1. Pixie Dust Paperie has a gorgeous house on display and they are giving one away to one follower who comments. It is really, really cool. Click HERE to get there.

2. HappyNScrappin' is a cool new blog that is just getting started. They plan on having tons to tutorials and layouts in the coming weeks. They are giving away this gorgeous Making Memories Noel Kit to one of their followers EVERY TIME THEY INCREASE THEIR FOLLOWERS BY 25!! How cool is that?! I won one yesterday and I can't wait to get it. Yummy!!! Click HERE to go to their blog. I confirmed today

with the Shari, the blog owner, that this is still going on.

#3 Stacy is has a surprise giveaway going this month. If you aren't aware of Stacy's giveaways. They rock!!! She goes all out! Click HERE to get to her blog.

#5. Amusing Potpourri is hosting a Ginormous blog hop. There are over 200 (!) different blogs giving away all sorts of great stuff. (Gift cert., crafts, etc). I do not have time to do this one, but maybe you will :)

I've been CRAZY busy the last few days. It turned out I needed a new battery for my van. So we replaced it (okay some guy from AAA did it) and it works great now. I was really worried about having to get a new car. I've got all the dings and smashed in part of my bumper just the way I want them. I'd hate to have to break in a new one. My family always laughs at me and says not to park behind me. There is a very good reason for that. Now, I'm a great driver...as long as I'm going forward. Backing up...not so good. My husband got really mad the last time I backed into his car, but I just told him, "You know better than to park behind me". LOL. I have decided that I am absolutely not going to fix the bumper. For one why bother? I'll just mess it up again. And second, there is a lot of history there. Let's see the landscaper that did our backyard, a housekeeper, a random woman in a parking lot (We back into each other so we just walked away not stressing it), a really old man in a car at my doctor's office (He just kept on going at the speed of light! The whole side of his car was marked up. Apparently, he was worried about his license and never came back. I know, 'cause I waited outside my car for him." And of course, twice w/ my lovely husband :) Pretty darn lucky never to have had a claim huh? Dad - no comments please if you are reading this. Just be glad I don't get my car insurance through you ;)

And here some exciting news too. We have our owndomain name,forumand gallery!!! WOOHOO!!!!!You're ALL invited to join the newforum!! Please join us, take a look around, start posting away!! Please, Please, Please invite all of your scrappy friends to join our new forum! We are hoping it will be a welcoming home for all crafty people!The newhomepageandforumare up and running right now. The gallery still needs to be tweaked but hopefully, it will be open in the next few days.PLUS, we'll be adding weekly card sketches in February!!!! Be on the lookout for the DT call!

And saving the best for last, I got an awesome award from my friend Court at http://courtscrafts.blogspot.com/ and Cindy at http://cindyspagesintime.blogspot.com/. I was pretty amazed that I had two awesome scrappers give this me. Both your blogs are so gorgeous. Cindy rocks two page layouts and you should see some of Court's latest home decor and cards! You gals are awesome to say I have a stylish blog :))

Okay I'm suppose to share 8 things about myself and then pass it on to 8 people. But since I got it twice I'm going to pass it forward to 16 people :)) Gotta share the love!

Let's see eight things about me:1. I am really good at backing into other cars. They try to hide but I nail them every time!2. I absolutely adore my Shitzu even though I talk shit about him. (I.E. My next dog is going to be a leather couch.)3. I have a housekeeper who comes every 2 weeks. I will not clean up after my son. No way!4. I am a huge cuddler. I am always kissing and hugging on my kids. Much to the irritation of my now eight year old son. (Though he still trys to sleep with me most nights.)5. I hate cooking. I'd rather just nuke up and frozen pizza or entree and be done with it, but having kids I gotta do it. 6. Sometimes I get in a reading mood and just read and read and read. 7. I saw Resident Evil last weekend during the day and it scared the heck out of me! I haven't been that scared by a movie or book like that since I read The Stand during my 5th grade classroom. (I hid the book in my textbook while the teacher was teaching something. Yes I did get caught. But it wasn't anything new for me. I was always sneaking in books. 8. Please, you are so bored by now!